The Thrace Region (Greece) The area of southwestern Thrace has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Settlements and objects have been spotted in the plains of Xanthi dating back to 4500 B.C. The general development of the area during the years of the Ottoman occupation is relat- ed to the cultivation of tobacco after the 17th centu- ry. In the 18th century, Genisea and Xanthi became known worldwide due to the growing of tobaccoThe northern city of Xanthi is one of the most underrated places in Greece. This beautiful destination has the biggest and best-preserved Old Cities in the coun- try, and has also been influenced by many different cultures in its past, evident in its architecture, life- style, and diversity. Cultural heritage and environmental resources The region has significant natural attractions, land- scapes of high aesthetic value and several regional cultural heritage items, which include also a num- ber of “immaterial” elements such as traditions, rites, practices and customs, which help to shape the cultural identity of a certain region or a certain community. In particular : the Thracian Folklore Cele- brations-Xanthi Carnival, the largest and most famus carrnival in Northen Greece ; the Xanthi Old town Festival, during which the streets of the old town of Xanthi overwelmed with music, food, drinks and thousand of visitors ; the Youth Festival and the In- ternational Music festival « Xanthi City of Dreams » . Economic activities and regional strategies The presence of tourism is quite intense in the re- gion. Strategic policies within complex operating environments where organizations try to adapt to an inter-dependent production process in a dyna- mic mix of competition and cooperation. Over the past few years more and more has been increased the interest and expanded the circle of tourists of cultural tourism, by changing consumer culture and consciousness for the importance of cultural he- ritage in tourist destinations. The region hosts an international conference on Fish Tourism in Abde- ra every year to promote eco-friendly methods of commercial fishing and supports its local fishermen. This area of Greece combines many types of outdo- or activities which includes hiking, caving, kayaking, birdwatching, horseback riding and agrotourism among others. The Nestos river and Nestos delta are the gods’ gifts to outdoor activities from rafting to birdwatching. Lake Vistonida and Xanthi’s lush forests are equally enchaning. Tourist attractions The region has significant natural attractions, land- scapes of high aesthetic value. In the area of Xanthi Cultural tourism is developing as one of the most successful industries in different. Basis for its appro- val is primarily the potential of cultural heritage, whi- ch is seen as a strategic source of general socio-eco- nomic development of the region. Xanthi preserves a different types of tourists qualities influencing the attractiveness of tourist destinations are their cultu- ral and social characteristics. Xanthi also boasts a connection to the Sea. The towns that are on the co- astline for swimming activities are Avdera, Erasmio, Mirodato, Magana, Madra, Porto Lagos, Potamia and Nea Kesani. The region is well known for its mo- nasteries and churches. Many visitors make the pil- grimage to many sacred place to pay homage to the Virgin Mary. There are many museums to discover in this region too, such as the Folk Museum in the Old Town of Xanti. Local products linked to the Mediterranean Diet Well- known and well-preferred within as well as beyond Greek borders, the local cuisine is about straightforward flavours and thanks to the fine quali- ty of raw materials, local gastronomy offers a variety of delectable traditional dishes, complementing the region’s special cultural identity. Excellent Mediterra- nean local products are produced in the region, such as wine, edible grapes, grape must; extra olive oil, edible olives and olive oil products; jams and tradi- tional fruit sweets; cereal products (pasta etc.). Cultural routes and itineraries Interesting touristic routes have been planned by Ministry of Tourism, European Projects and seve- ral actions from Region of East Macedonia & Thrace, municipalities, and private companys, such as : the European Cultural Route Project « The labours of Hercules » (which aims to create a tourist - historic- cultural path with reference to the life, travels and the labours of the most important hero of the Greek mythology, Hercules) ; the European Cultural Rou- te Project « The Tobacco Road » (the proposal was conducted in order to map the tourist route which is associated with “tobacco road” in Europe and the Mediterranean region); different Religious Routes. .